Activate- Hidden Women of Hoxton

Activate- Hidden Women of Hoxton is sponsored by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Supports projects that uncover and celebrate the hidden histories of women in Hoxton, East London.

Activate! Hoxton Hall secures Heritage Fund support — HOXTON HALL Activate! Hoxton Hall secures Heritage Fund support Hoxton Hall has been awarded a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for two community projects that will celebrate the key women who have played a role in its history.

We have successfully secured a £228,708 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to celebrate past female key holders of the building, female participants in community projects, girls’ groups and societies, Music Hall performers or managers and residents of the building. The project will celebrate these women through the creation of community-led exhibitions that reactivate the building’s spaces.

The project will “re-activate” the female-led heritage of Hoxton Hall that is currently hidden behind walls, in unused spaces, in cupboards, in the local archive or in people’s memories. These include Sarah Rae, who founded “The Girls Guild for Good Life” at Hoxton Hall in 1878, running till the mid-20th Century, impacting many local women's classes and workshops.

Also, May Scott joined Hoxton Hall during the Blitz and was the keyholder of the building in the 50s, 60s and 70s. May Scott is fondly remembered by residents, and the project will ensure that these memories are not lost. “ This project is especially meaningful because it will shine a light on the women who have shaped Hoxton’s history—giving them the voice and recognition they deserve.

” — Chanel Reynolds, Marketing Officer ‘Activate! ’ will have 3 phases: A “Friends of Hoxton Hall” group will be formed from local groups, volunteers and residents who will work with Hackney Archives , academics, and the V&A Theatre Collection to bring the archive together safely and rediscover the hidden women’s voices of Hoxton. This will happen through research, archive training, workshops and visits.

Hoxton Hall will work with the Friends of Hoxton Hall, community groups, archives, artists and designers through workshops to reimagine its spaces and design a permanent exhibition. The Friends of Hoxton Hall will work with artists and designers to build and “activate” the Hidden Women exhibition at Hoxton Hall. Once built, there will be community launches, talks, tours and celebrations at the exhibition.

By the end of the project, the Friends of Hoxton Hall will have successfully “reactivated” Hoxton Hall’s spaces with exciting designs, showcasing the female-led heritage of the building and celebrating the women’s voices. Stuart Cox , CEO, says, “We are so excited about this Heritage Fund funding and to work with the local community that celebrates the women of Hoxton Hall!

We will be working with many local partners, such as New City College, Hackney Circle, and Hackney Society, to bring this project to life! We want to thank all the National Lottery players who take part in the lottery for helping make this happen” Chanel Reynolds , Marketing Officer, says, "As someone from Hoxton, I take great pride in working within my community.

This project is especially meaningful because it will shine a light on the women who have shaped Hoxton’s history, giving them the voice and recognition they deserve." If you are interested in becoming a ‘Friend of Hoxton Hall’ and being a part of the project, please email Suzie at activate@hoxtonhall. co.

uk to find out how you can get involved. Say ‘hello’ to our new website!